The classroom is no longer competing merely with textbooks, television or playground distractions. It is competing with a digital world that never sleeps—and with a growing threat of substance abuse that can quietly destroy young lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to teachers to help children fight drug abuse and screen addiction therefore deserves serious attention. Teachers occupy a unique position in a child’s life. They see changes in behaviour, attendance, concentration, friendships and academic performance before many others do. A withdrawn child, a sudden fall in grades or excessive dependence on a mobile phone may be an early warning sign. Teachers cannot replace counsellors, doctors or parents, but they can become the first line of awareness and early intervention. Screen addiction is particularly worrying because digital devices are now deeply embedded in education and everyday life. Technology itself is not the enemy. The challenge is ensuring that children remain users of technology rather than becoming its users. Excessive screen time can affect sleep, attention, physical activity, social interaction and emotional well-being. Schools must therefore promote digital discipline alongside digital literacy. The fight against drug abuse is even more urgent. Prevention cannot begin after a child becomes addicted. Age-appropriate awareness about the dangers of drugs, stronger counselling systems and confidential mechanisms for seeking help must become part of school life. Teachers should be trained to recognise warning signs without stigmatising vulnerable students. But schools cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Parents must create an environment where children can speak openly about anxiety, peer pressure, online experiences and substance exposure. Communities, healthcare institutions, law-enforcement agencies and civil society must work alongside educational institutions. A child seeking help should find support—not shame. For Jammu and Kashmir, where young people face academic pressure, unemployment concerns and rapidly changing social environments, the message carries special significance. Schools need trained counsellors, regular awareness programmes, sports and extracurricular opportunities, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Most importantly, children need time, attention and conversation. A smartphone should never become a substitute for a parent, and a teacher should never become merely an instructor. The real test of education is not only how much a child learns, but how safely and confidently that child grows. If teachers can help children choose health over addiction, purpose over distraction and real relationships over virtual isolation, they will be teaching lessons far more valuable than any textbook can offer.